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Bilateral talc maculopathy and fibrovascular proliferation in a drug abuser
Joke Ruys1, Marc D de Smet, Wivine Van de Sompel
1From the Deparment of Ophtalmology, ZNA Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
Background:
Intravenous drug abuse can cause a characteristic crystalline maculopathy. Very rarely, peripheral retinal neovascularization can also be seen in intravenous drug abusers. We present a case of a young cocaine abuser with bilateral crystalline maculopathy and peripheral retinal neovascularization.
Methods:
Case report.
Results:
Retinal vascular emboli such as talc are common in drug abusers, but in most cases, the retinal deposits pose only a minimal threat to vision. Our case shows a bilateral crystalline maculopathy and extensive retinal neovascularization, with a devastating effect on visual acuity.
Conclusion:
Intravenous drug abuse can cause retinopathy. This article is about a young cocaine abuser with bilateral crystalline maculopathy and extensive peripheral retinal neovascularization.